Yes, the entry barrier is very low in the ARM-based chip ecosystem. All the technology pieces (CPU, GPU, DSP etc.) are available on license and the smartphone chip market is over-crowded.
However, capabilities such as software expertise, integration, strong OEM relationships, financial strength/ resources and product roadmap will set the best companies apart.
It's a growing market and I expect very interesting market dynamics ahead.
Regards,
Sravan Kundojjala,
Senior Analyst, Strategy Analytics.

Samsung is in a strong position vis-a-vis the mobile App processors since they got into Apple and because of their surge in smart phone shipments. Qualcomm relies on other OEMs sales, it will be interesting how it would turn out if Apple change their App processor vendor.

Dear Sravan,
Excellent data and additional comments - thank you.
Wouldn't data in units instead of revenues also be (more?) useful for market shares - ASPs in different segments of smartphones are quite different